In America, when a movie has become a box office success it is more than guaranteed a sequel to that movie is in the works. For Legendary Pictures, it has been stated as long as the Monsterverse franchise continues to make money more movies are guaranteed until they don't make money anymore. This is why we got Netflix's animated Skull Island show, Apple TV's Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, and the upcoming fifth film: Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, coming March 29th in this post-"GvK" era. With Toho Co., however, a sequel is never guaranteed even if the movie is a box office hit.
Back in 2016, Toho Co. released Shin Godzilla and made a total of $78-$80 million globally, making it one of the most financially successful Godzilla movies to come out of Japan, at the time. Director Hideaki Anno was questioned if a sequel was in the works. As much as he would he have loved to do a sequel to the 2016 film, he had no control on whether a sequel will get made or not. He did reveal that a draft for a sequel under the working title "Shin Godzilla Raids Again" was proposed to Toho. The idea was to make a movie for audiences that were not very invested in the first movie. However, Anno had never heard anything back from Toho Co. about his proposal and the idea was ultimately dropped.
This is where Godzilla Minus One comes along. Another smash hit from Japan that has made $100+ million globally, universally praised for one of the best movies of 2023 by audiences and critics alike, and has just been nominated for an Oscar in the Best VFX category. Director Takashi Yamazaki has been through the ringer of interviews and has been asked over and over if a sequel to Godzilla Minus One is going to happen. His answer is about on-par to Anno's answer as there are no plans, but would like to do a sequel.
Back in December, Japanese magazine Sanspo attended a Q&A where a fan asked Yamazaki about doing a sequel. According to Dexerto's translation, this was how the director answered, "I've always wanted to make a Godzilla movie, so this was the moment when my dream of 50 years came true. But I felt lonely [after it was finished]… I wanted to make one more movie. I wonder if you (most likely referring to Toho Co.) can give me one more."
Then as recently as January 21, he was asked by Hobby Japan if he had plans for a sequel. He replies, "No there is no such story. But I might be a little sad if someone else is chosen for the next work. When someone says, "This is the next person to direct the next Godzilla," I think, "Ah!" And when someone says, "Please do it," I think, "Ah!" (laughs)."
Yamazaki continues, "If I were to direct the next movie, I would like to do a sequel to this one, but since there have been two stand alone Godzilla films in a row, I will probably have to include an enemy monster in the next one."
Mr. Yamazaki has a vague idea of where to take a sequel if he does one, but he does not know what the future holds in terms of a sequel. However, he is open to doing one more movie before the reigns are passed on to the next director. Mr. Yamazaki has also expressed that he is interested in doing a Star Wars movie and is waiting for the call from Lucasfilm. Recently, he was invited to Lucasfilm by Dave Filoni for a special screening of Godzilla Minus One followed by a Q&A. So he could be eyeing his next big project on a galaxy far, far away.
Also, with Legendary Entertainment's Monsterverse series still ongoing, Toho Co. may not want to do a sequel so it does not look like Toho Co. and Legendary are competing against each other. The Monsterverse movies themselves already brings in around $400-$500 million globally, with Godzilla: King of the Monsters being the exception having made $387 million globally. So competition between studios won't be a good thing financially.
Perhaps if Godzilla Minus One does win the Oscar for best VFX, a sequel may come as an exception for Takashi Yamazaki. If a sequel does happen, it won't happen for a while. If you have not seen Godzilla Minus One yet, now is the time to do so. The last day the movie is in theaters in February 1st, which makes this weekend the best time to attend.
I want to know what you think. Will Godzilla Minus One get a sequel or do you think it will be another one and done movie? Do you think it needs a sequel? Leave a comment in the comments section of your thoughts on Takashi Yamazaki wanting to do a sequel. Make sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Minds, MeWe, Gab, and TRUTH Social to stay up to date for more news, reviews, and discussions.